Sealine Beach Resort in Doha

Not another hotel!Calm down. Sealine Beach Resort is pretty iconic. It’s been around for absolutely ages and is about an hour’s drive from Doha.

An hour’s drive! To do what?It’s not that far is it? It’s a great place for a staycation without having to get on a plane. It’s a nice weekend escape for families, there is lots to do for children. You can book a stay in a beautiful chalet and set up your barbecue right outside.

So that’s our evening meal sorted. What about the daytime?There are several activities here. You have easy access to the beach and there’s a swimming pool as well. You can try your hand at watersports, with jet skiing proving pretty popular. If land is more your thing then you could always book a camel ride. For those who prefer to relax, the Energy Haven Spa is your best bet. Get yourself booked in for a spot of pampering.

Is there anything for the more adventurous among us? Absolutely. You have the chance to go dune bashing right outside the resort, which will really get your adrenaline pumping. Head out to the stunning inland sea in a 4x4 for an experience you’ll never forget. Trips can be arranged through the hotel, through a travel agency or you could rent a four-wheel drive. But if you’re not used to driving in the dunes – be warned, it’s not easy. If that scares you, try something a bit safer like renting and riding a dune buggy.

All that adventure makes me hungry. Can we eat now?Of course, there are a few places for food in the hotel. Al Odaid is their all-day diner, Le Merenda is the spot for homely Italian and Reef & Burger for your carnivourous needs. If you’re after drinks as well as bar bites then Ignite Lounge is the place for you. There’s also The Edge, which is a shisha and mixed drinks lounge.

What are the rooms like?There are plenty of options available, everything from standard rooms and suites to sea-view chalets and two-storey ocean-side villas and everything inbetween. The resort had a makeover recently so everything is in tip-top condition.

All of this sounds expensive...Well, anything called a Royal Villa is going to set you back more than a few riyals, but a standard twin room is about QR1,250 per night. You can book a day pass, too and enjoy the resort that way. Mesaieed, sealinebeachqatar.com (4476 5299).